I'm a high intermediate exerciser who works out daily, but I'm new to kettlebells. I practiced some basic kettlebell moves with a dumbbell for awhile, but this was one of the first workouts that I used with my new 8 kg (18 lb) kettlebell that I purchased on Amazon.

This DVD features RKC kettlebell instructor Sarah Lurie. It includes a short (1.5 minutes) introduction by Sarah, a 4.5 minute instructional segment (Foundation 2) in which Sarah breaks down some, but not all, of the kettlebell moves found in the workout, and then a 45 minute workout (Circuit 2). For those who have tried Iron Core Volume One, several new and more challenging moves are added here, included snatches, clean & press, and Turkish getups.

For the actual workout, Sarah is instructing live with two background exercisers, Robert and Sammy. The warm-up consists of swings, catches, squats, and three Turkish getups per side. (Note: Sarah does not break down the Turkish getup, a fairly tricky move.)

The Circuit is conducted in three rounds of individual exercises, with a 30 second break between exercises and a 1-2 minute break between rounds. Prior to each exercise, graphics appear on screen breaking down the move in detail and offering form tips; a countdown clock also keeps track of the breaks.

The exercises in each round are basically the same, with some slight variations as noted below:

Round 1:
*1-arm swings (10)
*snatches (8)
*clean & press (8)
*tactical lunges (10) + 2-arm swings (10)
*suitcase deadlift (5) + snatches (5)
*deck squats (10)
*alternating swings (10)

Round 2:
*1-arm swings (10)
*snatches (8)
*clean & press (8)
*tactical lunges (10) + 2-arm swings (10)
*suitcase deadlift (5) + snatches (5)
*deck squats (10)

Round 3:
*1-arm swings (10) + snatches (10)
*clean & press (8)
*tactical lunges (10)
*suitcase deadlift (5)
*snatches (5)
*deck squats (10)

Abs:
*get-up situps (4 per side)
*twisting crunches, kettlebell between feet (10)

I didn't necessarily find this DVD more intense than Volume 1. However, as someone who is still quite new to kettlebells, I found several of the moves more difficult to execute, particularly the snatches and clean & press, both of which are used frequently here. Furthermore, I didn't think that Sarah's breakdowns of the moves provided quite enough information. Another issue was that during the workout itself, Sarah's pace is a bit too quick for a beginner; although I'm an experienced exerciser, I struggled to keep up with her at times. I do think that this is a good DVD, but those new to kettlebells will probably want to have at least some practice under their belts prior to using it.

Instructor Comments:
I thought Sarah was fine overall. However, it would have been helpful if she had mirror cued--with being new to kettlebells, it was kind of tricky trying to learn from her when I had to reverse her movements. Also, she makes some obviously scripted comments to her background exercisers at times; these just seemed a bit silly to me.

Beth C (aka toaster)